ODBI 12-Week Coaching Programs providing high school and college students-- who are homeless, in foster care or experiencing high poverty—a transformational, evidence-informed 12-week curriculum!

Since 2010, Orange Duffel Bag Initiative (ODBI) has served more than 937 at-risk Georgia students, who are homeless, in foster care or experiencing high poverty, with ongoing advocacy and coaching programs delivered by executive-level life coaches.

“Before ODBI I was in a gang, angry and didn't care about my future. ODBI opened my eyes and my heart and helped me realize that I am good enough to go to college, that I can be successful. It taught me how to make better choices and a plan for my life.” A. ODBI Grad

Your donation will help provide Team Orange students like A. with meals, transporation, laptops and duffel bags. Orange Duffel Bag is a symbol of HOPE!

Through internal work, self-exploration and goal setting, key outcomes included improved critical thinking, self-advocacy, academic performance, and employment preparedness. The self-driven, comprehensive life and education plan created by each participant is their personal roadmap toward their future success!

The numbers: Delivered 50 12-session coaching programs: 36 programs were delivered to at-risk high school students; 14 Coaching for College Completion (CCC) programs were delivered to postsecondary students. In 2017, in partnership with GEAR UP Georgia, ODBI delivered 10 after school coaching programs serving 200 high school students, who were homeless or in foster care, and 3 CCC programs serving 50 postsecondary students.

"ODBI was great support for self-efficacy, college and career readiness. 100% of our students participating improved attendance, behavior and performance. Our students' soft skills were enhanced as well as written and oral communication. ODB is an awesome program to extend our student’s resume for success in life!"
E. J. Mobley Ph.D., Principal, West End Academy

A little more about Team Orange: ODBI directly impacts the lives of high school and college students, by providing each student programing and guidance that enabled them to develop critical thinking and self-advocacy, and discover a newfound sense of worth and hope for a better future through improved appreciation they can achieve their education goals and reach their full potential, all of which ultimately helped lay the foundation for ODBI to join other statewide leaders, who share the cause of helping at-risk students succeed, and the USG Board of Regents receiving its first ever 7-year GEAR UP Georgia Matching Grant from the Department of Education!